Polished
By: Zell's Lollipop Ninja
Rating- PG (may change)
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Please, now, will you show me,
How to live closer to the edge of sin?
Won't you please taint me a little?
Then, once my small world collapses,
And everything disappears from my life,
I will have nothing at all left to lose.
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Chapter Two: Tea
Sasarai picked up his mail which was resting on the kitchen table. The day was young; the sun had not fully risen over the trees. He ascended the stairs again, sifting through the assorted letters.
"What!? You can't possibly expect me to wear that!" Chris protested in a loud voice.
Sasarai stopped in his tracks. He pressed his ear to the door which the two women were behind, slightly intrigued.
Kamisa tilted her head to one side. "What's wrong with it? It's not too low cut… the skirt part isn't too short either. It's pretty in style for work clothes. What the heck do the wear to work in your country?" The former knight's blood froze.
"My country?" Chris questioned cautiously.
"Well, no one in Harmonia has silver hair or purple eyes. I just assumed you were from, like, Falena," Kamisa speculated, "or the island nations or something… you know? Sorry Christina."
Chris offered the chef a smile. "Think nothing of it. Well, I suppose the dress is not a problem … There is no point to protest your kindness. I'm just not used to showing any skin at all…"
"Oh don't worry. It's not that much. Don't make a big deal of it." Kamisa spun around merrily and handed the dress to Chris. "I'm sure you'll look pretty in it, too!"
"Alright, fine."
Sasarai raised an eyebrow at the conversation that he had heard and continued towards his study. A certain letter caught his eye. It was from Master Thomas of Budehuc.
He tore open the envelope carefully and pulled out the slip of paper that rested within.
Dear Bishop Sasarai,
I know it must seem rather odd that I'm writing you for the first time in three years, but with the recent events… I am most certain you probably understand why.
I decided that I'd hold a memorial service on the twentieth, since both sides in the war have finally begun the peace discussions. It will be for all from members during the Fire Bringer who have fallen on both sides. I invite you to join us. Most of the old ranks will be there… not too pleasant of a reunion, huh? If only things were different. Oh, also invite Sir Dios, please. I could not find his address…
Sincerely,
Thomas Lrimsal of Budehuc
Sasarai's eyes wandered over to the calendar. It was the fourteenth. He had plenty of time to wander over to Budehuc Castle. The bishop pondered for a moment what he should do. This was, quite obviously, a 'funeral' for Lady Chris. No one knew, though, that she was living right down the priest's hallway.
"Wonder how Chris will feel about this…"
"About what?" Chris questioned, entering the room with a tray of tea in hand. "Kamisa sent me with this. She said you always have tea at seven thirty before you head for the temple." An awkward silence fell upon the two 'nobles'. "What is wrong?"
Sasarai scanned over Chris' attire again and again. Though she looked lovely as always did, the servant's clothes were a rather shocking thing for the Bishop to accept. Not only did she have a body under her armor, it was covered in scars. Her arms were streaked with former wounds, as well as any other skin he could see besides her face.
The bishop felt terrible as he noticed the look of shame and discomfort that filled Chris' expression. She placed the tray on the table with ease and began to head for the room's exit in an embarrassed rush.
"Chris… I'm sorry." The former knight opened the door shakily. "Wait a moment." Chris relinquished her grip on the door as she was ordered to stop. For a second she resented the friend who had taken her in.
"Yes, Bishop Sasarai?" Sasarai handed her the letter with a soft smile. The woman's eyes scanned over the paper quickly, an eyebrow raised in suspicion.
"Would you like me to attend your memorial, Lady Chris?" He asked, the irony setting in. Chris smiled.
"Well," she started, "it would be quite odd if you didn't. Don't mention I am here in Harmonia."
"You should know I wouldn't," Sasarai assured her, offering her a grin.
"Thank you." Christina smiled a little and offered, "Is there anything else you require?"
"Not at the moment, no. Perhaps Kamisa could use some help in the kitchen?"
"Alright then." Chris bowed, and hurried out of the room and down towards the first level of the house.
Sasarai stood from his desk and placed the sword-shaped letter opener atop it. He grabbed his long black trench coat and pulled it carefully over his thin frame. The morning service started in less than an hour.
As the bishop pushed his way through his heavy ebony doors, he was greeted by the full light of the morning sun. The air was pleasant and filled with the sweet smell of summer blossoms.
Dios shifted in his seat. The pews were a thick, unrelenting cedar, offering the attendants of the service little comfort. The loyal Harmonian stared up at his usual companion as he gave his teachings of the day.
He was rather surprised to see the jubilant look across his friend's face as he spoke of 'miracles'. Was it not yesterday that he was utterly destroyed? Strange…
Something, quite obviously, had changed. It seemed suspicious to Dios as he continued to shift about in his seat. As the church service proceeded the Harmonian onlooker could detect a certain sound of joy… Joy? Where would that be coming from?
After mass, Dios said nothing to his commander about his strange behavior. The Harmonian merely listened skeptically to the Bishop as he spoke of the upcoming events at Budehuc.
Dios avoided making noise as Sasarai spoke about returning to Budehuc. He wanted to see all the old stores, eat from the old restaurant, read those familiar dusty books, and especially salvage that old chessboard from his old room.
The Bishop continued to speak as he and his friend entered his home. They stopped at the dinning table and took the usual seats.
"Oh, by the way, I have a new maid."
"Really? That's good to hear. Nice girl?"
"Oh, quite."
"Good. Work well?"
"She tries."
"Also a plus. Hopefully she isn't like your last maid."
"Not at all."
The door cracked open as the two servants entered the room. Kamisa quickly dropped off the food with a bow and ran back off to the kitchen.
Christina, on the other hand, slowly walked through the door concentrating on the expensive china that lay defenselessly in her care. As she placed the tea tray on the table, Chris quickly felt the horrified eyes of Dios staring at her.
"Um, hello," Chris stuttered, unsure of what possibly she could do.
"B-bishop Sasarai…" Dios stuttered "that's Lady Chris."
Sasarai laughed heartily at the dumbfounded response of his friend. Chris grinned, though nervous in the pit of her stomach. Once again, it was time to explain everything…
With a perplexed look sprawled across his distinguished face, Dios tried to absorb Chris' story. Bishop Sasarai watched his two companions in slight interest as he drank his afternoon tea. It was… surprisingly refreshing, that tea. Odd, he noted, staring down at the glass.
"Bishop Sasarai…?" Christina questioned.
"Yes?" He replied at the mention of his name.
"Is there something wrong with the tea?"
"No..."
Dios smirked slightly and explained "Dear Bishop's head is in the sky, milady."
"I see…" Chris replied uncertainly.
"Actually, as a matter of fact, it is in Budehuc." Sasarai slowly raised the mug to his lips and drank of the warm fluid.
"Oh yes," Dios recalled, "the reunion?"
Chris peered from man to man, quite sure she had been left out of the loop. "What reunion?"
"You see, Christina," Sasarai explained, "there is a memorial service for you and your knights at the old castle one the twentieth."
She was taken aback slightly at these world. "Are you going?"
"It would be strange if I did not," the bishop replied, placing the empty glass onto the table. "I can always pretend that I think you're dead."
The 'servant' laughed heartily at her master's proposition. "You cannot act, Bishop Sasarai! I still remember the theater productions…!"
"Agreed," Dios chimed.
"You two weren't the epitome of talent yourselves…"
"How true." Chris admitted, smirking slightly. "I suppose… Sasarai, can you repeat what you did when you thought I was dead? Can you, I don't know, convince your mind's eye that I am? Perhaps then…"
"I will give it a shot."
Chris bowed happily. "Thank you both. I appreciate your aid in my ruse."
"Not a problem, mila…. Er, Christina," Dios responded.
Chris and Sasarai exchanged smiles alongside Dios. The three former members of the Fire Bringer and shared a small meal, reminiscing fondly of the old days.
And when the day came for the two Harmonians to leave, Chris dread was irrepressible. She prepared the tea alongside Kamisa and delivered it silently. Returning to her humble quarters, Chris fully realized how much she had lost and how many people she had hurt. She lied down on the stiff bed, staring up at the ceiling.
"This is how it has to be."
The ceiling stared back and did not respond.
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WOW! I haven't posted in MONTHS! Sorry, and remaining fans. I know you probably forgot this fic. Well, anyway, this chapter wasn't too good in my opinion, but whatever. I promise the next will be better. Here, have a preview…
Chapter Three: Snake
Old faces appear and new troubles arise. Two men arrive in Budehuc, one arrives at Bishop Sasarai's door.
Oooo, sorry. That was rather pathetic. Well, anyway, stay tuned!
--Kate
